Chapter 524: Chapter 525: Proposal of Marriage
Li Xiaobai looked indifferent, casting a lofty gaze upon Situ Renjie.

“Young Master Li might not be aware that the Zhang Family is a vassal of our Situ Household. For the young master to take over their property without so much as a word may be a bit improper, don’t you think?”

Situ Renjie spoke with a light smile, though a hint of cold light flashed through his eyes.

“Young Master Situ might not know that the Zhang Family is a haven for filth and corruption, often killing cultivators and causing widespread resentment. I thought that, as a noble family of esteemed standing, the Situ Household would certainly not allow such vile rascals to tarnish its reputation. Hence, I took it upon myself to clean up on behalf of the Situ Household,”

“Having been preoccupied with Lady Zong’s birthday celebrations recently, I overlooked the matter for a time. It’s all for the bright future of Aolai Country, so I ask you not to take it to heart,”

Li Xiaobai also said with a smile.

“I see, I never expected to find such a disgrace in our family. It appears Young Master Li has gone through some trouble on our behalf. The Situ Household will surely give its heartfelt thanks later,”

Situ Renjie said through gritted teeth.

“You’re too kind, young master. It’s merely what I ought to do,”

Li Xiaobai replied, indifferent, as if he hadn’t detected the hidden meaning in the other’s words.

“On such a joyous day, why speak of the dead? Situ, can’t you show a bit of tact?”

“I truly do not know how you manage to survive in the Situ Household,”

Nangong Ritian’s face flickered with killing intent, and he spoke with evident displeasure. Surely the Situ Household had come to make trouble, souring the mood the moment they arrived. Had it not been for their presence, a fight between the two sides might have broken out.

“Indeed, we are all here to celebrate a birthday. Why are you being so aggressive? What are you trying to do?”

Dongfang Bai, the elder, also showed his displeasure, furrowing his brow and looking at Situ Renjie with a face full of loathing.

“It’s the birthday of an elder, yet as a junior, you show no decorum. Would you behave like this during your father’s grand birthday celebration?”

“Even though you come from a major family, how can you be so ignorant of the ways of the world? How will you get by in Aolai Country in the future, or hold your ground within your clan?”

Nangong Wan frowned and said coldly, her deep dislike for Situ Renjie’s bully-the-weak, fear-the-strong behavior evident.

They had come with their own agendas; celebrating the birthday was only part of it. Their main objective was to acquire a certain item, and until their deal was sealed, they would not allow anyone to interfere.

“I…”

Situ Renjie stumbled over his words, his face turning pale with anger. Ever since encountering these major families, he had never been at ease.

“Ahem, Clan Leader Zong, in truth, the Situ Household did not intend to pursue the matter with the Zhang Family. It is all in the past. Today, we are here firstly to celebrate Lady Zong’s birthday and, secondly, for a significant matter concerning my family’s young master. We wish to take advantage of this auspicious day, hoping the Zong Family will be graced with double happiness,”

Uncle Ying said, his eloquence a lesser concern; completing the task assigned by the family head was the utmost priority.

“Double happiness?”

“Might I ask the meaning of this, elder?”

Zongdao’s eyes held a flicker of confusion, while Zong Yao seemed to have realized something. Her face instantly lost all color, turning deathly pale.

“Hehe, I, though unworthy, have long admired Miss Yao’er. Today, on the occasion of Lady Zong’s birthday, I have come to propose marriage. To unite Young Master Situ and the Miss of the Zong Family in blessed matrimony, from henceforth our families united as one, supporting each other like liver and gall. These are a token of the sincerity of the Situ Household,”

Situ Renjie clapped his hands, and more than ten cultivators entered from outside the hall, each carrying a large chest filled to the brim with glittering jewels, a dazzling sight to behold.

All of these were genuine magic treasures and elixirs,

Li Xiaobai’s eyes sparkled with excitement, he hadn’t expected that his adversary would be carrying so many wonderful items. If he fed them all to the Hellfire, could it possibly break through the initial burning range of one thousand meters?

He needed to find a reason to eliminate the other party and claim the treasure trove for himself!

“What does Clan Leader Zong think?”

Situ Renjie regained his usual calm and collected demeanor, smiling at Zong Yao in a smug manner as if he had everyone in the palm of his hand.

No matter how it was put, the Zong Family was merely a declining clan, and even with the protection of these ancient families, they could not possibly compete with the Situ Household.

“This, my Zong Family is but a fallen minor clan; it is not suitable for my house to marry into yours, Young Master Situ. Such a union might instead tarnish the reputation of the Situ Household. Please forgive me for declining!”

Zongdao declined without a second thought.

With the nature of the Situ Household, these treasures would definitely not end up in the hands of the Zong Family. Presenting these treasures as a marriage proposal was nothing but a scheme to take them back at the first opportunity after the union. In this way, they would lose nothing and gain a daughter for free.

In this world, where could one find such a good deal?

“Perhaps, we should consider the wishes of Yao’er?”

“If our two families were to be happily joined, the rise of the Zong Family would be just around the corner. The future developments within Aolai Country will be smooth sailing, and isn’t the greatest wish of Miss Yao’er the prosperity of her family?”

Situ Renjie said with a casual smile.

“What are you to dare such outlandish talk of marrying our little sister? Do you not see your own reflection when you piss? Are you worthy?”

While Zong Yao remained silent, Zong Ya couldn’t hold back her anger, slamming the table and scolding furiously. This young master from the Situ Household really had no shame, kicking them while they were down and greedily eyeing what he could not have, like a toad lusting after a swan’s meat.

Besides, now that they had the assistance of Li Xiaobai, they had no need to rely on others.

“It appears we have Miss Zong Ya here. I understand the deep bond between the two sisters. If Miss Zong Ya finds it too difficult to part with her, she is welcome to join Yao’er and enter the gates of the Situ Household. No one would have any objections.”

“Clan Leader Zong, I have come with sincerity. Please, do not refuse. If it’s possible to also marry Miss Zong Ya to me, how about we double the betrothal gifts?”

Situ Renjie proposed, still with that casual smile,

Upon these words, silence once again fell in the hall.

No one had expected Situ Renjie to attempt to take both sisters for himself, his fascination reaching an extreme level.

“Dan of a libertine, the epitome of loathsomeness!”

Nangong Wan’s face flushed with indignation, her disdain was unmistakable. Under the broad light of day, Situ Renjie actually made such a statement that went against human decency. Truly, the Situ Household was the epitome of filth.

“Such a despicable scoundrel, a role model indeed. Even I wouldn’t dare to say the words he does. He’s truly cut from the Situ cloth, something special.”

Dongfang Mingyue was speechless, taken aback by Situ Renjie’s audacity.

Honestly, a trace of envy rose in his heart. If only he could be so bold in his words, no doubt he would have already won over his future wife. But alas, he was a gentleman; such things can’t be learned when they are a matter of innate talent.

“The young man is aiming to establish his own harem, it seems.”

Li Xiaobai was somewhat moved by the idea. It seemed that making the guy kneel last time hadn’t taught him a lesson; another kneel was in order.

Zong Yao’s expression darkened, “Hold your tongue, Young Master Situ. I treated you with respect as a promising young hero, but your behavior today is truly disappointing and brings shame to the Situ Family. Let us speak no more of this!”